Virtual reality (VR) technology has come a long way since its inception. One of the most important components of VR is the headset, which immerses the user into a simulated environment. In this article, we will explore when virtual reality headsets were first released and how they have evolved over time.
Early Beginnings: 1960s to 1970s
The concept of VR dates back to the 1960s, but it was not until the 1970s that the first virtual reality headset was developed. This was the Sword of Damocles, created by Ivan Sutherland in 1968. The headset consisted of a wooden frame with two screens mounted at either end, which displayed a stereoscopic image of a sword hanging above the user’s head.
Although the Sword of Damocles was not designed for practical use, it laid the foundation for future VR headsets. In 1972, Ivan Sutherland created another headset called the “Head-Mounted Display,” which allowed users to look around a virtual environment by moving their heads.
1980s: The Birth of Commercial VR Headsets
The first commercially available virtual reality headset was released in 1983. It was called the “Virtual Reality Theater System,” or VRTS, and it was developed by Computer Space Division. The VRTS used a stereoscopic display and allowed users to look around a virtual environment using head movements.
In 1984, another company called Magic Leap released its first virtual reality headset, the “Magic Link.” This headset used a projector to create a virtual image that could be viewed in a variety of environments. However, the Magic Link was not very successful and was eventually discontinued.
1990s: The Rise of Consumer VR Headsets
The 1990s saw the emergence of consumer-grade virtual reality headsets. One of the most notable examples was the “Virtual Boy” headset, which was released by Nintendo in 1994. The Virtual Boy used a monoscopic display and had limited tracking capabilities, but it was popular among gamers and was eventually succeeded by the more advanced “Nintendo 64 VR System” in 1997.
Another consumer-grade VR headset was the “Sega Genesis 3D Action System,” which was released in 1992. This headset used a stereoscopic display and had limited tracking capabilities, but it was notable for being one of the first VR systems to be commercially successful.
2000s: The Evolution of VR Headsets
The 2000s saw significant advances in virtual reality technology, including the development of more advanced tracking systems and higher-resolution displays. One of the most influential VR headsets of this period was the “Oculus Rift,” which was first released in 2012. The Oculus Rift used a stereoscopic display and had high-resolution screens, making it one of the most immersive VR experiences available at the time.
In 2014, another company called Samsung released its virtual reality headset, the “Gear VR.” The Gear VR was notable for its compatibility with Samsung’s smartphones and for its ability to track head movements using an infrared sensor.
Conclusion
Virtual reality headsets have come a long way since their first release in the 1970s. From Ivan Sutherland’s Sword of Damocles to the Oculus Rift and Gear VR, virtual reality technology has evolved significantly over time. Today, VR headsets are used for a variety of applications, including gaming, education, and training.
